An Updated Review of What, When and How of Sertaconazole: A Potent Antifungal Agent

Abstract

Sertaconazole is an imidazole/triazole type antifungal agent which selectively inhibit fungal cytochrome P450 sterol C-14 α-demethylase and act as potent antifungal agent. This enzyme is essential for fungal cell wall synthesis as it converts lanosterol to ergosterol. The antifungal spectrum of drug includes Candida, Malassezia, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Scedosporium. In addition, sertaconazole has been reported to exhibit an antimicrobial activity against staphylococci, streptococci, and protozoa. The drug is practically insoluble in water and has an apparent half-life of approximately 60 hrs. It is prescribed for the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (topical), mycoses of skin and mucosa in dermatology and gynaecology. Sertaconazole penetrates the horny layer of skin and the therapeutic concentrations may be found after a long period of time, avoiding the potential risk of systemic absorption. It is available in the market as cream, lotion and tablet formulations. This review summarises the physiochemical characterization of drug, involved pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, safety profile along with the reported preclinical, clinical and formulation studies and patents thereof and the paradigm shift in the use of sertaconazole.